Car-coupling



(No Model.)

H; SOMMERPELD.

GAR OOUPLING. No. 424,582. Patented Apr. 1, 1890.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.'

HEINRICH SOMMERFELD, OF CANTON, KANSAS.`

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 424,582, dated April 1, 1890.

Application led December 14, 1889. Serial No. 333,725. (No model.)

T0 all whom t may concern:

Beit known that I, HEINRICH SOMMERFELD, of Canton, McPherson county, Kansas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gar-Couplers, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact descreption, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof.

My invention relates to improvements in car-couplers; and it consists in the novel construction and arrangement hereinafter set forth and described.

In the drawings, which illustrate the manner of carrying out my invention, Figure l is an inverted plan view showing the improvements of my coupler. Fig. 2 is a central transverse section of same. Fig. 3 is a front View. Fig. 4t is a detail in perspective of the lever used in operating my coupler; and Fig. 5 is a detail in perspective of the gravity-lock, which holds the coupling back when not in use.

Referring to the drawings by letter, A. represents the bottom of a car-truck, to which the mechanism used for operating my carcoupling is properly secured by suitable bolts, screws, &c.

B is a cross-beam near the end of the truck, to which the lever Q and loop M are preperly bolted.

C are two sleepers, to which are secured the metallic linings D, said metallic linings D having a cross-connection E, provided with perforation L, through which the shaft G of coupler F passes, said coupler F being made in t-he manner illustrated in Figs. l and 2, and is provided with a spiral spring near its rearterminus, which holds it in position when in use. H is a nut, which keeps said spiral spring gin position. I is a similar nut, secured on the coupling-shaft. This regulates the movements of said coupling by bearing against metallic plate K, said metallic plate K being a continuation of plate J, which is secured on the under side of truck-frame. L is the perforation through said plate K.

M is a loop composed of suitable material, which is rigidly bolted to the cross-beam B.

O is a flexible steel spring secured to 5o sleeper C in a suitable manner. Said flexible spring, bearing against coupler F, serves to hold it in position.

P is a journal in which is pivoted the lever Q by suitable bolt Q. Said lever Q is provided with a ratchet q, in which opera-tes the gravityY lock T, said gravity-lock T being made in the manner illustrated in Fig. 5 and pivoted at the end through perforation t. U is a ratchet in said lock T, which drops over lever Q when it is forced back, thus holding the coupling F out while the cars are uncoupled.

S is a loop or eye through which the fulcrum-lever R passes, said fulcrum-lever R being provided with a bearing-plate o, which rests against coupler F. Fulcrum-lever R is pivotally hinged to lever Q in such a manner that when lever Q is operated the coupler F is thrown backward and forward, as described.

Z is a bumper secured to the truck in a suitable manner.

The normal position of my coupler is as shown in Figs. l and 3, and when the cars are to be uncoupled the operator grasps lever Q and pulls it out toward the side of car. This being pivoted at Q', forces the fulcrum-lever R inward'until it bears upon coupler F and forces it out of position. Vhen said coupling F has reached t-he extreme backward point, gravity-lock T drops over said lever Q in such a mann er that the ratchet XV holds said lever in position, thus keeping the coupler bent backward until it is ready to be coupled to an adjoining car. The gravity-lug T is then drawn backward, allowing the coupling F to spring back into position, and the coupling is made. Being constructed in this manner, the opera-tor can manipulate the coupler without going between the cars.

Having thus fully`described my invention, what I claim as being new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In combination with the laterally-movable coupler F, the lever Q, pivoted under the bottom of the car and arranged in a horizontal plane, the lever R, hinged to the lever Q and having the plate r, bearing against the coupler F, for the purpose set forth, and the guide S for the said lever R, substantially as described.

IOO

2. A car-coupler having the levers Q and P and S and constructed in such L manner R, secured in journals I and S, provided with that they may be operated Without going bea gravity-look T, which has a ratchet U, this tween the cars, substantially as set forth and fitting over operating-lever Q, substantially as described. I

5 set forth and described. In testimony whereof Iaix mys1gnature1n r 5 3. The operating-lever Q, fulcruln-lever R5 presence of two Witnesses.

and gravity-lock T, operating in combination l HEINRICH SOMMER FELD.

with and forming a part of the car-coupler Witnesses:

operated in the manner described, these levers CHAS. -L. TAYLOR,

1o Q and R being properly secured in journals R. A. BALDERSON. 

